Inca Threads, A Peru Immersion
Andean weavers are widely respected for their handiwork and, in the rural Peruvian highland villages we explored around Cusco, the woven textile tradition remains much as it has for centuries. Time seems to have stood still in most of the Inca heartland. We were astonished to find that many of the traditional ways of life, including the Quechua language and the mode of dress, are still intact. Immersive...
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The Best German Christmas Markets, A European Family Tradition
Traditional German Christmas Markets, also known as Chriskindlesmarkt, are located in a variety of big and small towns throughout Europe, but the tradition is perhaps strongest in Germany. If the wonderful custom of European Christmas Markets has not yet reached your hometown,...
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Mystic – Connecticut’s Playground
Mystic, Connecticut has all the ingredients for a great family weekend: schooners and whalers, clippers and dinghies at Mystic Seaport; dancing dolphins and dashing sea lions at Mystic Aquarium; a children's museum in Niantic; hiking, biking fishing, and other activities galore plus a whole spectrum of kid-friendly places to stay and kid-favorite places to eat. Family...
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Manhattan Movie Madness: New York’s Film Locations
Walking around Manhattan on a cold and windy day in December is not how I wanted to spend a Friday morning with a friend from out of town. But, during her weekend visit from Toronto, Michelle (being the television and movie buff that she is) was very eager to finally see all of the buildings, restaurants and street corners that she's come to know and love from movies and TV shows. So we...
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A Branson Christmas for the Whole Family
If your hometown has been letting you down in the Christmas jollies department, a trip to Branson, Missouri can’t help but get you in the mood to make merry. Starting in November, the Branson Christmas shows (and there are 100 of them in 50 theaters) shift to Christmas-themed performances, and you’ll see big production numbers all dressed up in tinsel, stars, Santa hats and glittery...
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Alexandria, Virginia’s Winter Attractions
Not as "big city" as the nation's capital, the historic town of Alexandria, Virginia celebrates Scottish traditions and more each winter in a festival that all family members will really enjoy. Founded in 1749 and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Alexandria is steeped in history and is nationally recognized for its abundance of 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The numerous...
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7 Reasons Why Suzhou Is China’s Best Adventure With Kids
If you’re considering a family trip to China, put Suzhou on your must-see list. This traditional city is just far enough off the tourist track to feel like a bona fide discovery, yet its modern infrastructure makes a visit with kids easy. Suzhou is one of China’s loveliest urban locations. Situated on a series of picturesque canals, it has earned the moniker The Venice of...
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Europe In Winter: Favorite Holiday Markets
Despite the chill winds and snowflakes, the holiday fun radiating from the tents and stalls of Europe's Christmas Markets is enough to make visitors feel welcomed and toasty warm. Here's our pick of the very best places in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Great Britain and Austria to celebrate the season with kids at great European Christmas Markets. This tradition is so big in...
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Four Great Days In Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok's mix of modern and traditional keeps boredom at bay, making it a great destination for dynamic families touring southeast Asia. People are praying to a statue of Buddha built on the street, with their hands pressed together and knees on the sidewalk. Candles are lit around the statue and the ornamental flowers are beautiful. So calm and sacred it sounds, yet right beside the statue,...
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Paris, The Lady and The Ring
It is Paris; it is drizzling. We are at Place de la Madeleine in front of a Parthenon-style church built by a Napoleon who couldn’t decide whether to brag about his victories or act humble before God. As I try to squeeze the columns into an Instagram frame, I understand why it took 85 years to finish construction. I lower my phone to see a woman right beside me. She is small, maybe 50....
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